Gramm Backs Hawke for OCC, Despite Recent Flap

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Phil Gramm signaled Monday that the confirmation of John D. Hawke Jr. for a full term as comptroller of the currency is on track.

The Texas Republican last week blasted the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for asking examiners to help prepare a list of banks that support the Community Reinvestment Act, which is under attack by the senator. Observers had questioned whether this controversy would again slow what has been an already rocky confirmation.

By Monday, however, Sen. Gramm was praising Mr. Hawke for acting to ensure examiners do not pressure banks to cooperate with the agency's political agenda.

"I appreciate Mr. Hawke's quick response to this problem," Sen. Gramm said in a written statement. "I trust he will be diligent in ensuring that doesn't happen again."

Mr. Hawke directed the agency's senior managers Friday to tell their staffs to never make contacts with banks that could imply their supervisory ratings could be lowered if they do not take a particular stance on an issue. Senate Banking is tentatively scheduled to vote on Mr. Hawke's nomination Thursday, though the impeachment trial could cause it to be postponed.

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